4 out of 5 stars.
I would like to thank Storey Publishing for providing me with a free ARC of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an open and honest review.
Don’t let the title confuse and make you think this is a book just explaining what food swapping is. Yes, it does that, but it then goes on to be an essential guide to comprehensively creating, joining, or holding a food swap of your own.
I really liked the level of detail given, mixed in with examples of established Food Swaps around America, some fantastic images (something I’ve come to expect with all books from Storey Publishing) and ending with some simply YUMMY looking recipes to help inspire any food swappers on what to prepare – to get them started!
Ms Paster covers a lot of the questions I believe are frequently asked about food swaps, and then answers questions I hadn’t even thought of but then realised would be vital to know. That makes ‘Food Swap’ an essential comprehensive guide to anyone thinking of getting such an activity going in their own area.
I will mention though that all information on health standards, laws, etc. is based on those found in America – which is perfectly fine. So if anyone here in Australia would be interested in starting a food swap, yes you will still get an amazingly useful mountain of information from this book… but please do realise we have different rules and laws and to consider those before starting. If that makes sense? I’m trying to say – yes this book is just as helpful here in Australia, but please use common sense and realise some of the ways we do things are different so look into it!
Would I recommend this book to others?
Yes I would. Anyone considering starting a food swap or maybe even looking for inspiration on how to improve existing food swaps that they are a part of – this book is essential reading and it is full of just so much terrific advice!
Would I buy this book for myself?
Actually… I wouldn’t. BUT! That is only because I am not at a stage in my life where I am free to become that committed to a local food swap. If I WAS at that stage, then I would own and re-read this book from cover to cover before I set out. The information is so useful and the stories are so inspiring and encouraging – I do feel this could be seen as the gospel of how food swaps should go! 😉
In summary: A very comprehensive, easy to read and totally enthusiastic book create to help inspire, encourage and run a food swap. If it is something you would like to do in your area but aren’t too sure how – I highly recommend you buy this book!
Until next time,
Janis.
Janis's Journal 